Conducting decoded neurofeedback studies

Abstract Closed-loop neurofeedback has sparked great interest since its inception in the late 1960s. However, the field has historically faced various methodological challenges. Decoded fMRI neurofeedback may provide solutions to some of these problems. Notably, thanks to the recent advancements of machine learning approaches, it is now possible to target unconscious occurrences of specific multivoxel representations. In this tools of the trade paper, we discuss how to implement these interventions in rigorous double-blind placebo-controlled experiments. We aim to provide a step-by-step guide to address some of the most common methodological and analytical considerations. We also discuss tools that can be used to facilitate the implementation of new experiments. We hope that this will encourage more researchers to try out this powerful new intervention method.

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Conducting Decoded Neurofeedback Studies

10.31234/osf.io/ydpgn ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Vincent Taschereau-Dumouchel ◽

Aurelio Cortese ◽

Hakwan Lau ◽

Mitsuo Kawato

Keyword(s):

Machine Learning ◽

Closed Loop ◽

Learning Approaches ◽

Controlled Experiments ◽

Double Blind ◽

Double Blind Placebo ◽

Intervention Method ◽

Methodological Challenges

Closed-loop neurofeedback has sparked great interest since its inception in the late 1960s. However, the field has historically faced various methodological challenges. Decoded fMRI neurofeedback may provide solutions to some of these problems. Notably, thanks to the recent advancements of machine learning approaches, it is now possible to target unconscious occurrences of specific multivoxel representations. In this Tools of the trade paper, we discuss how to implement these interventions in rigorous double-blind placebo-controlled experiments. We aim to provide a step-by-step guide to address some of the most common methodological and analytical considerations. We also discuss tools that can be used to facilitate the implementation of new experiments. We hope that this will encourage more researchers to try out this powerful new intervention method.

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EXPERIMENTAL RAISING OR LOWERING OF TESTOSTERONE LEVEL AFFECTS MOOD IN NORMAL MEN AND WOMEN

Social Behavior and Personality An International Journal ◽

10.2224/sbp.2002.30.8.795 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 30 (8) ◽

pp. 795-806 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

James M. Dabbs ◽

Anthony E. Karpas ◽

Natalia Dyomina ◽

Jennifer Juechter ◽

Amanda Roberts

Keyword(s):

Positive Affect ◽

Testosterone Level ◽

Implicit Attitude ◽

Controlled Experiments ◽

Double Blind ◽

Men And Women ◽

Double Blind Placebo ◽

Licorice Extract ◽

Attitude Measures ◽

Normal Men

In two randomized double-blind placebo-controlled experiments, 63 normal nonclinical men and women received treatments designed to raise or lower their testosterone levels. Sixteen men and 17 women applied testosterone or placebo gel to their skin for five-day periods, and 13 men and 17 women ingested capsules of licorice extract (which lowers testosterone) or placebo for four-day periods. Subjects described their feelings on daily check lists, wrote paragraphs summarizing their experience, and completed implicit-attitude measures. Testosterone increased arousal and hostility, and licorice decreased energy and positive affect. Reactions were stronger among women than among men.

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Global Drug Survey

10.31234/osf.io/xb8ve ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Rotem Petranker ◽

Thomas Anderson ◽

Larissa Maier ◽

Monica Barratt ◽

Jason Ferris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Partial Replication ◽

Controlled Experiments ◽

Theoretical Frameworks ◽

Double Blind ◽

Present Sample ◽

Double Blind Placebo

Background: Microdosing psychedelics – the practice of taking small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of substances like LSD or psilocybin-containing mushrooms – is becoming increasingly popular. Despite its surging popularity, little is known about the effects of this practice. Aims: This research had three main aims. First, we attempted to replicate previous findings regarding the subjective benefits and challenges reported for microdosing. Second, we assessed whether people who microdose test their substances for purity before consumption. Third, we examined whether having an approach-intention to microdosing was predictive of more reported benefits. Methods: The Global Drug Survey (GDS) runs the world’s largest drug survey. Participants who reported last year use of LSD or psilocybin in GDS2019 were offered the opportunity to answer a sub-section on microdosing.Results: Data from 6,753 people who reported microdosing at least once in the last 12 months were used for analyses. Our results suggest a partial replication of previously reported benefits and challenges among the present sample often reporting enhanced mood, creativity, focus, and sociability. Counter to our prediction, the most common challenge participants associated with microdosing was “none”. As predicted, most participants reported not testing their substances. Counter to our hypothesis, approach-intention – microdosing in order to approach a desired goal – predicted less rather than more benefits when microdosing. We discuss alternate theoretical frameworks that may better capture the reasons people microdose.Conclusion: Our results suggest that the benefits associated with microdosing greatly outweigh the challenges. Microdosing may have utility for a variety of uses while having minimal side-effects. However, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiments are still required in order to substantiate these reports.

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The DecNef collection, fMRI data from closed-loop decoded neurofeedback experiments

Scientific Data ◽

10.1038/s41597-021-00845-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aurelio Cortese ◽

Saori C. Tanaka ◽

Kaoru Amano ◽

Ai Koizumi ◽

Hakwan Lau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Machine Learning ◽

Closed Loop ◽

Brain Dynamics ◽

Learning Approaches ◽

Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Research Groups ◽

Large Dataset ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Public Dataset

AbstractDecoded neurofeedback (DecNef) is a form of closed-loop functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) combined with machine learning approaches, which holds some promises for clinical applications. Yet, currently only a few research groups have had the opportunity to run such experiments; furthermore, there is no existing public dataset for scientists to analyse and investigate some of the factors enabling the manipulation of brain dynamics. We release here the data from published DecNef studies, consisting of 5 separate fMRI datasets, each with multiple sessions recorded per participant. For each participant the data consists of a session that was used in the main experiment to train the machine learning decoder, and several (from 3 to 10) closed-loop fMRI neural reinforcement sessions. The large dataset, currently comprising more than 60 participants, will be useful to the fMRI community at large and to researchers trying to understand the mechanisms underlying non-invasive modulation of brain dynamics. Finally, the data collection size will increase over time as data from newly run DecNef studies will be added.

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Microdosing psychedelics: Subjective benefits and challenges, substance testing behavior, and the relevance of intention

Journal of Psychopharmacology ◽

10.1177/0269881120953994 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 026988112095399

Author(s):

Rotem Petranker ◽

Thomas Anderson ◽

Larissa Maier ◽

Monica Barratt ◽

Jason Ferris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Lysergic Acid ◽

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide ◽

Perceived Benefits ◽

Partial Replication ◽

Controlled Experiments ◽

Double Blind ◽

Present Sample ◽

Double Blind Placebo

Background: Microdosing psychedelics is the practice of taking small, sub-hallucinogenic doses of lysergic acid diethylamide or psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Despite its surging popularity, little is known about the specific intentions to start microdosing and the effects of this practice. Aims: First, we aimed to replicate previous findings regarding the subjective benefits and challenges reported for microdosing. Second, we assessed whether people who microdose test their substances before consumption. Third, we examined whether having an approach-intention to microdosing was predictive of more reported benefits. Methods: The Global Drug Survey runs the world’s largest online drug survey. Participants who reported last year use of lysergic acid diethylamide or psilocybin in the Global Drug Survey 2019 were offered the opportunity to answer a sub-section on microdosing. Results: Data from 6753 people who reported microdosing at least once in the last 12 months were used for analyses. Our results suggest a partial replication of previously reported benefits and challenges among the present sample often reporting enhanced mood, creativity, focus and sociability. Counter to our prediction, the most common challenge participants associated with microdosing was ‘None’. As predicted, most participants reported not testing their substances. Counter to our hypothesis, approach-intention – microdosing to approach a desired goal – predicted less rather than more benefits. We discuss alternate frameworks that may better capture the reasons people microdose. Conclusion: Our results suggest the perceived benefits associated with microdosing greatly outweigh the challenges. Microdosing may have utility for a variety of uses while having minimal side effects. Double-blind, placebo-controlled experiments are required to substantiate these reports.

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